01 May 2020
Message from the Director
Professor Mohamad Abdalla
Over the last few months the world was seriously challenged with the COVID-19 pandemic. Borders closed, and schools, cafes, restaurants and all non-essential services came to a halt. Universities moved completely online, and staff were requested to work from home where possible. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost, with over 3 million confirmed cases. This is so sad and tragic, and our hearts and prayers go to all the families and their loved ones. We pray and hope that a cure and vaccine are soon found to put an end to this global human tragedy. We must remain hopeful and convinced that we will emerge stronger.
Though we have moved fully online, CITE’s research, teaching and engagement continue to grow. Our team are involved in multiple research projects including three ARC applications. We have had multiple ERA journal publications, 1 book published with Routledge and another to be finalised this July. Our new short online courses are ready, and enrolments will soon open. We have been very active through weekly webinars that are attracting national and international audience, covering Islamic education and Islamic studies. And we have had excellent engagements with multiple schools and media.
On another note, on 24 April Muslims across the world started their fasting month of Ramadan, where adults who can fast do so from dawn to dusk. Reflections on the meaning and significance of fasting were captured by multiple national and international academics, thinkers and theologians. Details of this can be found on the ABC Religion & Ethics website: https://www.abc.net.au/religion/this-ramadan-resisting-vice-pursuing-virtue/12188462
I hope you will find the following CITE activities uplifting and useful and pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy during these very challenging times.
